Deep in the stillness and silence of the dark early morning hours I wrap my prayer shawl around me and sit in my rocking chair ready to enter into the heart of God, the Source of my life, of all life.

Today while meditating I was prompted by the Spirit to begin the blog of an ordinary mystic. If you have read my second novel, “Ordinary Mystic: Practicing the Presence,” you know that over thirty years ago I had an extraordinary encounter with the Source of life while on retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains. The ecstasy of the unified field, the sacred communion I experienced that morning on the mountaintop continues to return to me when I meditate. The joy in feeling the peace of Christ within my soul is a power that carries me through each day of my journey in this world.

The definition of stillness from the old English is “silence.” When I become still I quiet down my mind and begin to sense more fully the presence of Source. Entering into the heart of God is not about a belief system. The good news is that I can feel the Divine Presence within me and all around me. I am talking about a direct experience of Source, the energy of love that can be felt.

The mystical connection is a direct encounter with Source and it is available to all. It is at the heart of all spirituality. This Source of life desires an intimate relationship with everyone. Very few people in the past were spiritually awake enough to have this sacred connection. Today more people are becoming aware of the experience that awaits them by taking the time to sit in stillness, go within the self to enter the Kingdom of God and discover the magnificence of interior divinity.

St. Mark tells us to “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” (–Mark 6:31). Jesus modeled this action and invited his disciples to do as he did. In this special Christmas season when the earth and all creation awaits the outbreath of new birth, I invite you to rest in the inner stillness for a while. Let go of the busyness and allow yourself the simple pleasure of experiencing the love in the heart of God. It is as close as your breath.

TEN TIPS ON THE JOY OF SPIRITUAL MEDITATION IN YOUR DAILY LIFE

1. Discover the clarity of Mindfulness.

You will be able to stay in the present moment as you breathe deeply and be more aware of the people and circumstances in your daily life. Take a moment during the day to stop and center. You can do this at work, during your lunch break, or while driving. Turn off the news and put on some uplifting music to help you be still and let go of stress. Your focus and productivity will improve.

Find the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.

Go out for a walk in nature and look for the wonders around you. Bring home symbols of creation to remind you of divine presence in all things.

Expect an increased vitality and energy.

Your body will be healthier filled with divine energy and the joy of living life to the fullest. Sit beside a brook listening to the flow of water, or watch the waves on the shore and feel the powerful energy of the Source of life all around you.

Experience the sacredness of all creation.

Take time to see through “divine eyes.” All is well and everything is right where it is supposed to be. Get up early and experience the sunrise or sunset in the evening trusting that the creator of all things holds everything together in harmony.

Bask in the “divine embrace.”

By resting in the Mystery of life, you will understand who you really are and how deeply you are loved by Source. You will know a new sense of purpose. Sit in a comfy chair with a quilt wrapped around you. Be still and feel the warmth of divine love.

Explore a direct connection and intimate communion with the Source of life.

You will receive important insights for personal transformation in your life. Stand outside on a clear night and witness the myriad of stars twinkling in the sky. Open to the height and breath of wisdom ready to inform and guide your life.

Learn about a new way of being in then world.

All relationships are sacred and non-violent communication is key. Collaboration not competition is the divine way to resolution. Spend quality time with the people you love and practice the tools of compassion. Taking a walk, sitting before a fire, embarking on a vacation trip together with family and friends deepens the relationships.

Feel the deep peace the mystics write about.

You will be able to remain calm, to respond and not react in situations. Sitting in traffic, standing in line at the grocery store, listening to the neighbor’s barking dog, can be frustrating, but also an opportunity to breathe and stay calm. What you resist will persist. It is a choice to be still and not react.

Time will expand.

There will be more time in your day than you thought possible.You will operate on Kairos (eternal) time not Chronos (clock) time. Start your day with a prayer focus on abundance. Make up your “to do” list then let it go trusting there will be enough time for everything to get done.

10. Enjoy a life filled with daily miracles.

You will become aware of the eternal now breaking into your daily life. Watch for bumper stickers, images, symbols, words from books or dialogue in the movies for important divine messages. The Source of all life is communicating with you all day long and through many channels. Miracles are a natural spiritual phenomena that continue to happen all the time. Stay awake and witness the wonders.